Aviation Photojournal Issue 39 | Page 242

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“Axe” sets the parking brakes and configures the aircraft for shutdown. He is wearing a Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) on his flight helmet. Even though it has been superseded by the F-22, the F-15C was continually upgraded and received systems such as the JHMCS and the AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA radar. 

85-0114 carried a special retirement scheme.  On the outboard vertical stabilizers, it featured the recognizable colorful Oregon ANG’s “Wing King” markings. The inboard vertical stabilizers featured elaborate markings. They both depict David Kingsley, the namesake of Kinglsey Field, where the 173rd FW is based.  On the left, “Rico’s” first kill is depicted, and on the right, the second engagement is commemorated.